Show how the authors use of imagery and/or symbolism reveals theme. Include examples from the book. State your thesis (your main point about...

In delivering
his theme about a young man's reluctance to leave childhood behind and his dread of joining the
adult world,usesand symbolism in characterizingCaulfield.

Salinger's
description of Holden belies his desire to remain safely in the innocence of childhood. Holden
is quite tall, with a gray streak in his hair. Nonetheless, Holden tries to forestall his high
school graduation and entrance to adulthood by intentionally flunking out of prep school after
prep school. Moreover, he wears an ironic red hunting hat that in some way recalls the red hair
of his beloved late brother, . His desire to hang out withand the interest he takes in children
he encounters, such as the boy in the movie theater, the boy singing in the street, the little
girl from Phoebe's school, and the boys in the museum, are symbolic of his desire to remain
young himself.

Holden's realization at the carousel (a symbol of childhood)
that he can no longer repeat the cycle of childhood is symbolic. He knows that for now, Phoebe
belongs there, but his refusal to join her on the ride suggests that he has begun to accept the
inevitability of leaving the protections of childhood behind.